Ingredients
– 2 cups chicken broth for forming the base for cooking the rice
– 1 cup wild rice blend for providing a nutty, chewy texture
– 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley for adding a fresh, herbaceous note
– 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano for bringing a warm, earthy taste
– 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme for offering a subtle, minty flavor
– 1 tablespoon olive oil for sautΓ©ing
– 1 cup sweet potato, diced small for providing natural sweetness and vitamins
– 1/4 cup onion, chopped for giving a sharp, flavorful kick
– 1/3 cup dried cranberries for adding a pop of color and sweetness
– 1/3 cup pecans, chopped for offering a crunchy contrast
– Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1-First Step: Gather all your ingredients and tools, like a medium saucepan and a large skillet, to make the process smooth. Dice the sweet potato small and chop the onion ahead of time for quick assembly.
2-Second Step: Measure out the wild rice blend and herbs, setting them aside so everything’s ready when you need it. This helps avoid any last-minute rushes and keeps the flavors spot on for your sweet potato wild rice pilaf.
3-Third Step: Bring 2 cups of chicken broth to a boil in a medium saucepan over high heat. Add 1 cup of wild rice blend, 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, and 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 30 minutes or until the rice is tender, following package instructions if you prefer. Stir once or twice to ensure even cooking, and if you’re adapting for dietary needs, use vegetable broth here for a vegan version.
4-Fourth Step: While the rice simmers, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 cup of diced sweet potato and sautΓ© for about 15 minutes until it’s tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This step brings out the natural sweetness, making your cranberry pecan sweet potato wild rice pilaf even more irresistible!
5-Fifth Step: Once the sweet potato is tender, add 1/4 cup of chopped onion to the skillet and cook until it’s translucent, which takes about 5 minutes. This adds a nice crunch and flavor that pairs great with the rice.
6-Sixth Step: Stir in 1/3 cup of dried cranberries and 1/3 cup of chopped pecans into the sweet potato mixture. Cook for 1-2 minutes to let the flavors meld, and if you want a twist, try adding a bit less pecan for a lighter option that still keeps the cranberry pecan essence.
7-Seventh Step: Combine the cooked wild rice mixture with the sweet potato mixture in a large bowl. Use a fork to fluff everything together gently, ensuring the ingredients are well mixed for that perfect texture in your wild rice pilaf with cranberry.
8-Eighth Step: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm. It’s ready to enjoy as a side or main dish, and for variations, you can add more veggies if you’re a health nut! This sweet potato wild rice pilaf serves up at around 322 calories per portion, so it’s a win for everyone.
9-Ninth Step: Don’t forget to check the nutritional info each serving has 52g carbs, 9g protein, and plenty of vitamins like 4741 IU of vitamin A. It’s a breeze to adapt, like using gluten-free alternatives if needed.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
π‘ Cook sweet potatoes until they’re caramelized but not mushy – this develops their natural sweetness while maintaining texture.
β° Prepare components ahead for quick assembly: cook wild rice in advance and store refrigerated, then sautΓ© sweet potatoes and onions when ready to serve.
π₯ Toast pecans briefly in a dry pan before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and add extra crunch to the dish.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 322
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 463mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0.1g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 2mg
